Psalm 123:1-3 Unto Thee life I up mine eyes, O Thou that dwellest in the heavens. Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters, and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress; so our eyes wait upon the Lord our God, until that He have mercy upon us

September 30

Unto Thee life I up mine eyes, O Thou that dwellest in the heavens. Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters, and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress; so our eyes wait upon the Lord our God, until that He have mercy upon us. — Psalm 123:1-3

Photo: StockXchng - MDGgrafica

OUR Heavenly Father, in the light of another day we rise to do Thy will. We bless Thee for the comfort and rest of the night, and the promise of strength for the new day.

May we find joy in our toil, and much quiet in the clamor and strife of the street. May the still, small voice guide us in the way of all good, and may Thine own spirit throughout this day keep our eyes from tears, our feet from falling, and our souls from death.

Bless all our kind, and those everywhere that we hold dear, and do for them, we beseech Thee, beyond what we know how to ask. Forgive every wrong thing in our lives for which we repent. Keep us this day near to Thee in all our thoughts and words and deeds. Let Thy joy live in our hearts, and Thy peace abide in our homes, and all these things we ask in Jesus' name. Amen.

William Chalmers Covert, D.D.,

Chicago, Illinois

Philippians 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ

September 29

Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. — Philippians 1:6

Photo: Justin Dodge

OUR Heavenly Father we thank Thee for the communion of saints, Thy believing people, for the joy of fellowship in the Gospel, the incentives to faith, hope, and love. Receive too, our thanks for access to the throne of grace and for the blessed privilege of communing with Thee, for the peace in our hearts which passeth understanding, for the remission of sin through faith in the atoning merits of Thy Son, for the precious assurances of Thy Word that Thou Who has begun a good work in us wilt perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. We rejoice to know that when we are weak Thou art strong and mighty to save them to the uttermost who come to God. Remove from us all unkind judgments, unjust criticisms, all disparagement and distrust of our fellow-Christians. For Thy merciful protection, Thy provident care, Thy never-failing love, we render unto Thee the gratitude of our hearts. Defend us in the dark hour of temptation lest we fall and sin against Thee. Perfect the good work which Thou hast begun in us. Bless, we beseech Thee, the labors of Thy Church at home and abroad. May Thy kingdom come. May the Sun of Righteousness arise with healing in its wings for all the nations of the earth. Pardon our sins. Lead us in the way of truth, and unto Thee, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, be glory and dominion now and evermore. Amen.

Rev. George Taylor Rygh, LITT.D.,

Minneapolis, Minnesota

1 John 1:9 He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins

September 28

He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins. — 1 John 1:9

Photo: Mario Alberto Magallanes Trejo

ALMIGHTY GOD of the Heaven the earthy and the sea! God of our fathers and God of the nations! Hear us, we pray Thee! Forgive our sins and remove our transgressions far from us. Help us, that we may behold Thy glory.

Help us to see the beauties of Thy law, and to feel the quickening power of Thy wonderful love. Give us, we pray Thee, broad faith, bright hopes, strong love and a firm step to meet the duties of life.

Let our hearts sing for joy in the remembrance of Thy goodness. Keep us in strength, that we may serve Thee. We praise Thee for Thy many and signal blessings vouchsafed to us, not only as individuals, but also as a people and a nation. We thank Thee for our forefathers, for Thy manifold blessings bestowed upon them, and through them upon us, their children. We pray Thee, O God, for grace to enable us to live useful lives, helpful to our fellow men.

May wars and strife cease, and the kingdoms of this world become the kingdoms of our Lord and His Christ. Hear our prayers for our Redeemer's sake. Amen.

Lucian J. Fosdick,

Dorchester, Massachusetts

Psalm 146:5 Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for help

September 27

Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for help. — Psalm 146:5

Photo: StockXchng-WinterDove

WE REJOICE, O God, that we art not lonely orphans in the world. We gladly realize that we can look unto Thee and call Thee "our Father." Lead us to note Thy nearness. In the midst of the hurry and flurry of the day, quiet our lives and prompt us to listen to Thy voice, and to interpret aright Thy message. We thank Thee for the bright sunshine and the blue heavens, for fresh air and wholesome food. We praise Thee for the privilege of study and meditation; for uplifting books and ennobling thoughts. We are grateful for good friends and loving companions. May our lives, as well as our lips, tell Thee of our gratitude. Speak with our tongues; work with our hands; send our feet on Thy errands; possess our whole being; "Let that mind be in us which was in Christ Jesus."

Save us from listlessness and laziness; keep us from flimsiness and frivolity; deliver us from selfishness; fill us with cheer, and lead us to brighten the lives of all we meet. Remove from us all malice and meanness. Help us to flee from evil, follow after righteousness, and fight the good fight of faith. Broaden our vision, deepen our earnestness, lengthen our love, intensify our reverence and increase our usefulness, we ask in our Master's name. Amen.

Francis Harvey Green, A.M., LITT. D.,

West Chester, Pennsylvania

Matthew 7:11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?

September 26

If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him? — Matthew 7:11

Photo: Irum Shahid

O GOD, our Father, Thou art always the same today, yesterday and forever. But we are different, and our ways are doubtful; and we know not what a day may bring forth. Guide us today as those who will surely miss the path except Thou go before and show the way. O Lord, deal gently with our wandering lives. Save us when we fall. We will need Thee every hour to make our progress swift, and sweet and sure toward the Father's House.

As day is added unto day may we add to our strength, diligence and faith also, and patience, and self-control, and kindness and a love which never faileth. Help us to be wiser today because of yesterday's failures, stronger by reason of any defeat which came to afflict us. Make us forgiving since there is much for which we need forgiveness. May we this day do nothing hurtful to one another or shameful to our calling as believers in the Lord.

We thank Thee that Thou art so willing to be our Helper--waiting to be welcomed to our homes and wanting to be trusted in our hearts. O that we were as eager to be saved by Thee as Thou art to save us!

Make this, then, a good day for us, living through its tasks, as we shall wish we had, when the day is done, for Christ's sake. Amen.

J. Henry Harms, D.D.,

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Psalm 119:11-12 Thy Word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against Thee. Blessed art Thou, O Lord: teach me Thy statues

September 25

Thy Word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against Thee. Blessed art Thou, O Lord: teach me Thy statues. — Psalm 119:11-12

Photo: StockXchng - André M

DEAR Father in Heaven, we come to Thee in love and praise for all the blessings we enjoy; for the food we have to eat, for the water we drink, the raiment we wear and the fresh air we breathe. We thank Thee for our home, our loved ones, and that we live in a land and an age when we can worship Thee openly. We thank Thee for the open Bible, but above all else we thank Thee that Thou didst lead us out of darkness into light through the gift of Thy dear Son.

O Father, help us to become more worthy of Thy watchful care and love. Keep us in the straight and narrow path. Bless us in our plans and purposes, but defeat us in them if they lead us from Thee. Help us to let our light shine, and give us souls for our hire, in the name of Jesus we ask it.  Amen.

Rev. John L. Brandt,

St. Louis, Missouri

Psalm 139:4, 23-24 For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, Thou knowest it altogether. Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting

September 24

For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, Thou knowest it altogether. Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. — Psalm 139:4, 23-24

Photo: Alex Fiodorov

O GOD, we give Thee thanks for Thy great goodness, and Thy unfailing kindness. Day after day Thou hast bestowed upon us gifts according to our need. Teach us so to use them that in all our doings we may glorify Thy name, and further Thy righteous cause.

Above all, Most merciful Father, we bless Thee for Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Our Savior. For His sake, do Thou receive us, and grant us Thy Spirit, that we may be enabled to follow in His footsteps, and to grown in His likeness. Prepare us, Heavenly Father, for all the appointments of Thy wise and loving Providence. May we be found, in them all, diligent, brave and faithful!

We commend to thy love and care all that are dear to us, and all men everywhere in their need of Thee. May Thy gracious hand lead and keep them till the discipline of life is over! Then may we and they be brought into Thy glorious presence, and find a place in Thine everlasting kingdom, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

T. B. Kilpatrick, D.D.,

Toronto, Canada

Psalm 119:41-44 Let Thy mercies come also unto me, O Lord, even Thy salvation, according to Thy word. So shall I have wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me: for I trust in Thy word. And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth; for I have hoped in Thy judgments. So shall I keep Thy law continually for ever and ever

September 23

Let Thy mercies come also unto me, O Lord, even Thy salvation, according to Thy word. So shall I have wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me: for I trust in Thy word. And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth; for I have hoped in Thy judgments. So shall I keep Thy law continually for ever and ever. — Psalm 119:41-44

Photo: Siddharth Gomez

OUR Father, Who art in Heaven, Thou art also upon the earth. Thou didst stretch forth Thy hand and darkness came over the earth, Thou hast stretched it forth again and light has flooded the world. We give Thee thanks for the morning light and for the sleep and rest of the night. Grant to us this day wisdom for our problems, courage for our tasks, patience for our toil, strength for our burdens, and faith for our enterprises. Enable us to so spend this day that our work shall be our worship. May we be "the glory of Christ" among men, commending Him and His salvation. Enable us to so spend the day that our spiritual life shall be enriched by its experiences, and our fellow men helped by our influence. Help us to maintain a conscience void of offense toward God and man. We ask it all in Christ's name. Amen.

William Robert King, D.D.,

Kansas City, Missouri

Proverbs 16:2-3 All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the Lord weigheth the spirits. Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established

September 22

All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the Lord weigheth the spirits. Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established. — Proverbs 16:2-3

Photo: Stephen Stacey

OUR Father, Who art in Heaven, Thou art our Father, though we are of the earth, and impure in Thy sight. Thou dost love us, and we are Thy children. The goodness is show in that Thou hearest our prayers.

We thank Thee for so many tokens of Thy favor and abiding love. Help us to live as Thy children should live every day that we tarry here. May we learn more of Thee as the days rush on into eternity. May all our powers and service be devoted to Thee. May it be our constant joy to serve Thee and follow where Thous dost lead. Thou dost always design the best possible course for us--therefore we are safe in doing Thy will.

Teach us Thy way, and help us to keep our feet therein. In the hard places of life's pathway, help us, Lord, for we are weak, and sometimes we fall. "We need Thee every hour." Keep us from falling into sin. Save us now and evermore, we pray, for the sake of Jesus, our Master. Amen.

Rev. W. W. Van Dusen.,

Boise, Idaho

Deuteronomy 30:16 I command thee this day to love the Lord thy God

September 21

Photo: S Braswell

I command thee this day to love the Lord thy God. — Deuteronomy 30:16

OUR Heavenly Father, we come to Thee this morning with praise and thanksgiving for Thy care and love. We are grateful for the temporal blessings Thou hast given us, and for the loved ones we have to enjoy. We thank Thee for the gift of Thy Son, and for the Holy Spirit.

We ask Thee to forgive our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Be with us this day, and help us to be kind and courteous. Help us to be more like Thee. May our eyes be opened to the opportunities for serving Thee and helping others to know Thee, Whom to know aright is life eternal.

May Thy Spirit be with those, at home or abroad, who preach or teach salvation, and grant that the word preached may not return unto Thee void. Be with those in authority and may they rule with justice and equity. Comfort "as one whom his mother comforteth" those in trouble and sorrow, and strengthen those in sickness.

Our Father, hear our petition, and keep us this day without sin, for the sake and in the name of Jesus, our Savior. Amen.

Clarence B. Mitchell,

Haverhill, Massachusetts

Psalm 40:4 Blessed is the man that maketh the Lord his trust

September 20

Blessed is the man that maketh the Lord his trust. — Psalm 40:4

Photo: David Hepworth

OUR gracious Lord, we beseech Thee to so guide and bless us this day, that we may become more like Thy Blessed Son, in all the gracious and wonderful perfections of His being. We earnestly pray that we may possess the mind of Christ — the mind of perfect humility; that His cross of self-denial and sacrifice may be willingly assumed and carried as one of the coveted privileges of the Christian life; that we may enjoy the Spirit of Christ, for we have learned that human wisdom is not sufficient to equip us to meet the demands of life and service; that we may possess the purity of Christ in Whom there was found no fault; that the confidence of Christ may be ours, the confidence which perfect faith ensures; that the joy of Christ may fill our souls, the joy of perfect peace —peace enjoyed because there exists between Thy heart and ours nothing to create division or friction.

Grant, we beseech Thee, O Lord, that we may so lives as to be fit to represent Thy dear Son as ambassadors; that we may be epistles known and read of all men, as telling the story of a wonderful redemption; that the influence of our lives may be such that men may constantly take knowledge of us that we have been with Christ Jesus and have learned of Him. Amen.

Rev. George R. Stair,

Portland, Maine

John 14:13-16 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever

September 19

And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever. — John 14:13-16

Photo: Shutterstock

O ALMIGHTY GOD and Heavenly Father, Who hast safely preserved us through sleep and darkness, and hast brought us again to light and the joy of living, we adore Thy name and bless Thee for thy mercies daily renewed.

Let Thy truth guide our footsteps, and Thy Spirit rule in our hearts through all the changes of this fleeting life, that we never be surprised into sin or error but preserved with calmness and courage in the way 'set before us, having always a conscience without offense and without recrimination. Accept the dedication of our full and hearty service of body, soul and spirit, not regarding our thoughtlessness and distractions, but sustain us in our purpose of righteousness and true holiness, that we may live to the glory and praise of Thy Holy Name, through Jesus Christ, our only Savior and Redeemer. Amen.

Bishop Cleland K. Nelson,

Atlanta, Georgia

Ephesians 4-29-31 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice

September 18

Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice. — Ephesians 4:29-31

Photo: Shutterstock

ALMIGHTY GOD, our Father and Preserver, Who, having refreshed us with a night's slumber, has awakened us to the duties of a new day, grant us, we humbly beseech Thee, Thy heavenly presence, that we may be able to do our work as in the great Taskmaster's eye.

O Thou Who hast redeemed us through Thy mercy, be pleased to defend us by Thy grace from the evil without us, and within. Save us from the power of our own lusts; the subtle suggestions of our own thoughts; the treachery of our own hearts; and cause Thy face to shine upon us, O Thou in Whose presence there is no night, that this day and all our days may be pure and holy and that we may walk in the light as children of the light. We beseech Thee to hear us, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Rev. T. B. McCorkindale, M.A.,

Chesterville, Canada

Psalm 103:1-5 Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with loving kindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's

September 17

Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with loving kindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's. — Psalm 103:1-5

Photo: Billy Alexander

ALMIGHTY GOD, Father of all grace, we adore Thee as The Author of our being, our Preserver, and our Redeemer. Cleanse us from all inherent iniquity, and from all the defilements of sin contracted as we have lived and moved in a sinful world. Command a double portion of Thy Spirit's power upon Thy ministers, upon all Christian workers, and upon all Thy people who constitute Thy Kingdom upon earth. Grant that Thy children may show that spirit of kindness and helpfulness which was manifested by our Lord Jesus Christ when upon earth. Work in us the spirit of forgiveness towards all who may have in any way offended against us. Give us that which is necessary for the health of our bodies and endue us with the spirit of contentment. Give us a just conception of the things with which we are surrounded, and make us faithful in the discharge of all our duties.

We ask in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Rev. William Megginson,

Richmond, Virginia

Psalm 95:2 Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving

September 16

Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving. — Psalm 95:2

Photo: Chris Wittwer

O LORD GOD, our Father, Saviour and Guide, by Whose gracious and bountiful providence we have been nourished and sustained until this hour, and Whose redemptive, all-embracing love we greatly rejoice, accept, we beseech Thee, the sincere and profound gratitude of our hearts for Thine unfailing mercy and goodness. Pardon, we implore Thee, all our failings, faults and follies. By the Spirit dwelling within us, sweeten our dispositions and chasten all our appetites and desires. Sanctify our home, light it with the lamp of Thy presence continually, and warm it with the fire of Thy love.

Make Thy way plain before our eyes, and lead us onward and upward. Sanctify unto us all our trials and difficulties. Help us over the hard places, and in the smooth places suffer us not to forget our constant need of Thee. Quicken and intensify our love to Thee, and help us to be compassionate and generous in all our dealings with our fellow men. Enable us to do justly and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with Thee. May we not be overcome of evil, but may we overcome evil with good.

O let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end, but establish Thou the righteous! And may the whole earth be filled with Thy glory! Amen.

W. H. Cline, D. D.,

Georgetown, Ontario, Canada

Revelation 7:12 Thanksgiving . . . be unto our God for ever and ever

September 15

Thanksgiving . . . be unto our God for ever and ever. — Revelation 7:12

Photo: Rick Camacho

O THOU God of Heaven and earth, Thou Who hast established the home and sanctified it, bless, we pray Thee, this our home. May it be a place where Thou canst dwell, a place in which Thy Spirit shall reign supreme, a place which is a real home in every sense of the word.

May the home-maker be conscious this day of Thy presence, and may she lean upon Thee for strength and for help, and may the home-provider be led by Thee as he goes out to his work, and be sustained by Thee as he meets the trials and temptations that shall beset him, and be returned in health when the work of the day is all over, to this our home and resting place.

May nothing be allowed to mar our home relations, and may each member of this home be faithful and true. May the parents be all they ought to be to the children, teaching them by example as well as by precept, and may the children hold dear the lessons they learn from the parents, and may both parents and children be what they ought to be in the sight of the Lord.

This we ask in the name of Jesus our Redeemer. Amen.

Llewellyn L. Henson, D. D.,

Pueblo, Colorado

II Thessalonians 2:16-17 Now our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace. Comfort your hearts, and establish you in every good word and work

September 14

Now our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace. Comfort your hearts, and establish you in every good word and work. — II Thessalonians 2:16-17

Photo: Flickr: WaitingForTheWord

O MERCIFUL GOD and Heavenly Father, we give Thee hearty thanks for all Thy benefits and blessings of the past. Continue to us this day, we beseech Thee, Thy watchful care and protection, as Thou hast through all our days. Keep all the members of this household from all accidents which may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts that may assault and hurt the soul. Teach us what things are right to do, and make us wise and strong to do Thy will. Comfort all the sick and sorrowful, the poor and distressed, and put it into our hearts to help them, and show us how to do it. Bless and direct Thy Church. Give its ministers wisdom, zeal and faithfulness, and make each member of it faithful to Thee, and ready to do Thy will. Call sinners to repentance, and inspire all Thy people to obedience to Thy law and to service of their fellow- men. All this we ask through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

Bishop Francis Key Brooks,

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

1 Corinthians 13:1-7 Love suffereth long, and is kind; love envieth not; love vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Love never faileth

September 13

Love suffereth long, and is kind; love envieth not; love vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Love never faileth. — 1 Corinthians 13:1-7

Photo: Shutterstock

MOST merciful God, Whose we are and from Whom we receive our daily supplies, accept the adoration and gratitude of our hearts for Thy fatherly care and bounty. We have sinned and come short of Thy glory. Be merciful unto us in the forgiveness of all our sins, for the sake of Him Who loved us and gave Himself for us. May the love of Christ abound in our hearts, and manifest itself in our daily lives. May the Holy Spirit enlighten our minds, and enable us to understand and appropriate the Word of God, in order that it may be food for our souls and light unto our pathway. May He comfort our hearts and help us to lay down every burden that hinders our Christian progress. Deliver us from the power and temptations of Satan and wicked people. Employ our lives every day in Thy service, and make them a blessing to others. In mercy deal with the afflicted and save the lost, for Jesus' sake. Amen.

J. J. Hill, D. D.,

Red Springs, North Carolina

Psalm 27:7-11 Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me. When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek. Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation. When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up. Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies

September 12

Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me. When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek. Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation. When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up. Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies. — Psalm 27:7-11

Photo: Shutterstock

WE BOW humbly before Thee, O Lord, our Father, and render to Thee our praises for all Thy loving-kindness and tender mercy toward us. All that we have and are and hope, we owe to Thy goodness. We humbly beseech Thee to forgive our sins, and cleanse us from every stain of iniquity. Help us to walk before Thee blameless, resisting every temptation, and faithfully performing evey duty which devolves upon us. Bless our absent loved ones as Thou seest they have need. Grant unto them and us abundant grace, and the guidance of Thy Spirit, that we may all be strengthened to be and to do as Thou wouldst have us.

Finally bring us all into Thy everlasting Kingdom, we ask, through riches of grace in Christ Jesus, our Lord. Amen.

Rev. Andrew J. Lamar,

Nashville, Tennessee

Psalm 138:2 I will praise Thy name for Thy loving kindness

September 11

I will praise Thy name for Thy loving kindness. — Psalm 138:2

Photo: Shutterstock

O GOD, our Heavenly Father, we thank Thee this day for our health and strength, for our homes, for our loved ones, for all the blessings and privileges Thou art giving us every day, but more than all these we thank Thee for the gift of Thy dear Son, Jesus Christ. We thank Thee that Thou didst give Him up for thirty-three years, and that He shed His precious blood, and gave His life, a ransom for our souls.

And so, O God, help us to die to self and sin this day. Forgive us for the mistakes of yesterday, and may they be stepping stones to higher and better things today. Breathe into our lives Thy Christ-likeness, shine through our eyes, speak through our lips, grip with our hands, throb with our hearts, and may we help bring the world back to Thee.

We would pray Thee for those who are in trouble, for those who are sick, for those who know Thee not. Grant us in our weakness, strength; in our ignorance, knowledge; and in our sickness, Thy healing touch. Bless all the families we represent, and bless our loved ones wherever they are.

We ask these things, with pardon for all our sins, in Christ's name. Amen.

Rev. Gypsy Smith, Jr,

Haddon Heights, New Jersey